Richard Dugger

Richard (Rich) Wayne Dugger, 58 of Jerseyville, IL, passed away unexpectedly at 4:04pm May 2, 2016 at his home in Jerseyville. 

Richard was born July 1, 1957 to Mary Frances and Wayne Edward Dugger, he grew up in Jerseyville and graduated from JCHS in 1975.  He worked for Egelhoff Floral during his high school years where he developed his love and talent of gardening.  He had a race-horse, May Winter, he enjoyed caring for and training. He attended night school while working and graduated from Control Data Institute in St. Louis, Mo.

Richard married Deborah Brown on Feb 26, 1977 and divorced after 37 years, but they continued to have a respectful and loving relationship with both families.  Rich and Debbie had two children Bradley and Emily.

Richard worked in St. Louis for over 20 years as a service technician.  He prided himself in his customer service and was very technically oriented, he could fix anything.  Rich serviced most of the major St. Louis hospitals and businesses.  He had a love for computers and taught himself how to use complex software.  He also later worked for Schnuck’s and for the past several years was the property manager of Harvest Inn Motel in Jerseyville.

Richard had many hobbies and interests, loved working outdoors, gardening, landscaping, and mushrooming. Richard had a soft spot for animals and kids.  He always had a dog and the one he loved most was Roxy.  Rich had a love for flying and obtained his pilot’s license, even flying over the house to take photos, which was another hobby.  If you knew Rich, you’ve see his beautiful photographs of nature, for which he had a passion. In 2013, he took his dream trip to hike the Appalachian Trail for a month with only a backpack.  Rich loved playing with the kids and grandkids and teaching them new things, riding bikes, and going to the zoo. Rich was also a great cook and was famous for his pies and cheesecakes.  He often cooked at the Harvest Inn motel, where he was manager and shared meals with those who needed one.  Rich spent the last 5 years planning and taking part in searches with his sister Pat, in hopes of finding his missing nephew Jared. 

Richard’s needs were simple.  He loved nature, friends, family and his pets.  He had a big heart. That is how he will be remembered.

Richard loved with all his heart and is survived by his children Brad (Sara) Dugger of Alton and Emily (Dan) Dugger of St. Charles, Mo, four grandchildren, Stephanie Dugger, Ciera Watts, Michael Baum and Marcus Baum, one great-granddaughter, Jacie, three sisters, Carolyn (Larry) Richardson of Witt, IL, Martha (Don) Gabryshak of Neshkoro, Wisconsin, and Pat (Gerry) New of Elsah, IL, many nieces and nephews and his companion of the past year Tess Jophlin.  He was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Frances Dugger.

Memorial may be made to the family to help cover funeral expenses.  Any extra proceeds will go to a fund to help find Jared Hanna. 

Arrangements are being handled by Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home.  A private memorial service and burial will be held at a later date.

Obit Provided By:
Alexander Funeral Home